Are silk pillowcases really good for your hair and skin? Do they slip and cause stiff shoulders? How do you care for them? A silk pillowcase developer explains everything.
Silk pillowcases have been gaining attention for the past few years among those who want to keep their hair beautiful.
While there are rumors that using one will make your hair super smooth, some people also report downsides such as "it's too slippery and uncomfortable to sleep on" or "it's bothersome to care for."
Pillowcases, which have a larger fabric area than nightcaps, tend to be a bit more expensive, so you don't want to regret your purchase.
To put it simply, using a silk pillowcase prevents stubborn bedhead, so you won't have to forcefully comb through tangled hair and pull it out. It's also a convenient item that saves time in the morning.
However, as pointed out, it is true that some products are so slippery that they actually make it difficult to sleep, and since silk is a delicate material, care must be taken when washing it.
In this article, the author, who developed an original silk pillowcase that achieves stable sleep comfort and ease of care, will explain silk pillowcases.
Why are silk pillowcases getting so much attention in the first place?
Both silk pillowcases and nightcaps are items that protect hair from friction throughout the night between the weight of the head and the pillow's rebound. However, nightcaps were trending before silk pillowcases.
Click here for an article detailing the pros and cons of nightcaps!
The benefit of a nightcap is that by enclosing the hair, it protects it not only from friction but also from dryness.
Additionally, preventing hair from tangling around the neck and shoulders during sleep, and preventing leave-in treatments applied to the hair from transferring to the face, are also secrets to its popularity.
However, due to the hassle of wearing one every night, the feeling of heat in the summer, and the fact that it can easily come off regardless of head shape, the popularity of nightcaps and pillowcases has gradually become divided.
I recommend using a pillowcase in hot weather and a nightcap when dryness is a concern, alternating them according to the season.
Are silk pillowcases really effective?
The most important question is how effective silk pillowcases are for hair.
I compared using a silk pillowcase with not taking any friction-reducing measures.
I took these photos right after waking up, before combing my hair, and as you can see, the difference is striking.
When no friction-reducing measures were taken, my hair would return to its bedhead shape even after combing. However, with friction reduction, I don't get stubborn bedhead, and a simple comb through makes my hair considerably smoother, truly saving time in the morning.
Dealing with bedhead is a morning challenge for everyone, regardless of gender. Reducing friction also helps prevent hair thinning, so silk pillowcases are recommended for all ages and genders.
Moreover, the fact that the effects are noticeable overnight is another great advantage.
For a more detailed comparison of results, click here.
[With Photos] Verifying the effectiveness of "nightcaps" and "silk pillowcases" through actual use
Is it true that it also benefits the skin?
It's surprisingly common for skin to become rough due to friction, even if you don't notice it.
Especially for those who sleep on their stomach or side, friction damage occurs as the face rubs between the weight of the head and the pillow's rebound. Using a silk pillowcase, which is fine-textured, less prone to friction, and has moisture-regulating properties, can lead to noticeable improvements in your skin.
However, what's more important than the benefits of silk is the frequency of washing. Regardless of the fabric, pillowcases are prone to accumulating sebum and leave-in treatments. Not washing them can unknowingly lead to skin problems.
As I will explain in the care section, it's best to wash them as often as you wash your pajamas.
Rather than expecting a beautiful skin effect from a silk pillowcase, think of it as preventing skin problems by also paying attention to washing frequency.
Is it true that silk pillowcases are slippery and cause stiff shoulders?
Such opinions are often found online.
髪トゥルントゥルンになれば良いなと思ってシルクの枕カバー使ってるんですけど、普通に頭が滑るのでオススメしません😃
— フルーツ🍉梵字 (@kotatsunokami) June 4, 2023
今日寝起き頭痛ひどいんだけど原因もしかしてシルクの枕カバー？つるつる滑るから無意識にズレないように頭押しつけて寝てるのかな？
— ꪑ (@hths_90i06_mi) March 2, 2022
シルクの枕カバーにしたら寝癖ほぼつかないし髪の毛のパサつき全然違うわ😭
— みみみ(10/30までスタバチケット2枚) (@mimimi_snow9) May 29, 2022
丁度スパ後から使いはじめたからまだトリートメント持続してる🧡
ただめちゃくちゃ滑るから安眠出来てない気がするけど🤣
In fact, the biggest challenge I faced when developing the pillowcase was this "too slippery to sleep comfortably" issue. When I made a sample pillowcase with 100% silk fabric, it was so difficult to keep my head stable that I almost gave up on development.
If your hair becomes beautiful but you can't sleep comfortably, it's hard to say the pillow is fulfilling its original purpose. However! There's actually a way to choose a silk pillowcase that avoids these problems beforehand!
- How to choose a silk pillowcase that doesn't cause stiff shoulders
- Choose one where the back of the pillow, which doesn't touch your hair, is made of a non-slip fabric like cotton, or one that ties on.
- For even more stable sleep, choose one where the side that touches your hair is not 100% silk, but silk-cotton.
The "Kitsumu" pillowcase I developed prioritizes comfort, designed to allow you to fully experience the friction-reducing benefits of silk while incorporating cotton material throughout.
If you're looking for not only benefits for your hair but also comfortable sleep, please take a look.
View ITSUKI's Silk Cotton Pillowcase Collection
How do you care for a silk pillowcase?
As you might expect, silk fabric is a delicate material.
First, to prevent you from accidentally washing 100% silk fabric in a washing machine, I'll tell you from my own experience what happens if you do:
The silk that was supposed to be shiny shrinks and becomes "crunchy" beyond recognition. Be very careful.
Next, I will explain the care methods for each material composition. Pillowcases tend to accumulate sebum easily. We recommend washing them as often as you wash your pajamas.
Care instructions for 100% silk fabric
In short, please hand wash, use neutral detergent, no bleach, no tumble dry, air dry in the shade, and no dry cleaning.
If you want to make care as easy as possible, you can wash it in the washing machine on the hand wash cycle, with detergent for delicate clothes, and in a net. However, it will wrinkle more than hand washing, so please proceed at your own risk.
Also, please be absolutely careful not to use a dryer, as it will definitely shrink the fabric.
Washing silk-cotton fabric
The recommended washing method is the same as for 100% silk fabric: hand wash, use neutral detergent, no bleach, no tumble dry, air dry in the shade, and no dry cleaning.
However, I personally wash the silk-cotton nightcaps and pillowcases I developed in a washing machine with regular detergent, simply by putting them in a net. Although the texture may be slightly inferior compared to hand washing, thanks to the toughness of cotton, they do not become crunchy or tear, and I continue to use them.
※In this case, using a dryer is strictly prohibited.
While not recommended if you wish to maintain the luxurious feel of silk, ease of care is an important factor for something you use every day.
For more detailed washing instructions, see the next article!
How to wash silk products. What happens if you wash them in a washing machine?
Summary
Above, we have provided a detailed explanation of the actual effects, sleep comfort, and care methods of silk pillowcases.
You should now understand that silk pillowcases are an excellent hair care item that can reduce friction and show noticeable improvements in hair manageability overnight, simply by changing your pillowcase.
If slipperiness is a concern or you want easy care, consider a silk-cotton fabric. Please give it a try and incorporate it into your daily life!
Also recommended as a matching gift
Since it can be used by both men and women, it makes a great gift for friends getting married or moving, a present for expectant mothers, or a get-well gift for someone recovering from an illness.
View ITSUKI's Silk Cotton Pillowcase Collection
